UPMC Lititz Family Medicine – Escape Room 04/18/2024

On April 18, 2024, my fellow Family Medicine Residents and I had a fantastic time participating in an escape room activity. We sincerely appreciate POMA's ongoing support for resident wellness at our Family Medicine residency program at UPMC Lititz. Below, you'll find my responses to the questions, along with a photo from our event. 

1) General understanding of the purpose of the project

The general understanding among the participants was that the escape room activity was designed to foster teamwork, improve communication, and promote problem-solving skills, all within a fun and engaging environment. This exercise was aimed at enhancing overall wellness by encouraging collaboration and stress relief through a non-clinical activity. It also served as a team-building experience, allowing residents to connect on a personal level outside the confines of work.

2) Reason for choosing this wellness activity

The escape room was chosen because it offers a unique way to challenge participants with puzzles and riddles, encouraging creative thinking and teamwork. It provided an opportunity for residents to step away from the intense environment of medical training and engage in a stress-relieving activity. The escape room setting promotes communication and collaboration, which are essential skills for physicians. It also creates a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie when the team successfully solves puzzles and completes the challenge.

3) Tangible tools and strategies demonstrated or taught

 During the escape room activity, several tangible tools and strategies were demonstrated:

• Teamwork and Collaboration: The success of the escape room relied heavily on effective teamwork. Participants learned the importance of delegating tasks, sharing ideas, and listening to each other
• Problem-Solving Skills: The activity encouraged creative problem-solving and thinking outside the box. Residents experienced how different perspectives could lead to successful outcomes.
• Stress Management: The playful and engaging nature of the escape room helped reduce stress. Residents discovered that taking breaks from intense work environments can significantly contribute to overall wellness.

4) Plans for applying lessons to stressful situations at work

After returning to work, we plan to apply several lessons from the escape room to improve my response to stressful situations:

• Enhanced Communication: we intend to foster open communication with colleagues, ensuring everyone has a chance to voice their ideas and concerns.
• Collaborative Problem-Solving: we will approach complex cases with a collaborative mindset, encouraging teamwork among colleagues to find effective solutions.
• Stress Reduction Techniques: we plan to incorporate regular breaks and stress-relieving activities into our routine, understanding that these practices can positively impact our overall performance and wellness.

5) Suggestions for POMA to address wellness and Life balance

POMA's dedicated Resident Wellness Fund is a fantastic initiative that demonstrates its commitment to promoting resident wellness and work-life balance. POMA can implement programs that recognize and reward residents who actively promote wellness and life balance. This recognition can encourage a positive culture of wellness among residents and inspire others to prioritize their own well-being.